Since many radios lack a tone control, this can limit the usability of the FMR-1 by forcing the addition of external controls on the radio chassis which are hard to access and operate. Many radios of the 1950’s and 1960’s used a tone switch which can now be configured to control the behavior of the volume control. Even if the radio has no tone control or tone switch, a simple SPST switch is all that needs to be added for full volume/tone/balance/fader support! This can be extremely helpful on remote-head and hang-on radios of the 1930’s and 1940’s.

With this unique method, the switch controls whether the volume control acts like a normal volume control or as the tone control with full virtual balance/fader support. The volume of the radio is always maintained through a cleaver software algorithm so the user is never blasted out if the volume control is left to high. Of course you can still add external controls if desired.

Another new feature that allows the use of OEM grounded wiper balance controls. With so many original radios using a grounded wiper style balance control, our dealers were looking for a solution. By adding a simple pull-up resistor, the FMR-1 can now use a grounded wiper control for balance. While this arrangement normally presents a problem with the resulting control being extremely non-linear, the powerful microprocessor on the FMR-1 is able to perform the complex math required to correct for this with ease. The result is a balance control that works just like original.

Just added! Two new features allow even more original controls to be used with the FMR-1!

ALL factory fader controls are now supported including grounded wiper, multiple wiper and impedances as low as 10 ohms! Using unique circuitry, this is accomplished without any substantial power being dissipated in the control. No longer are factory fader controls off limits!

Tone rheostats and tone controls with grounded wipers can now be connected to the FMR-1 without modification. This saves time and money by not requiring these controls to be replaced with a standard potentiometer.

The FMR-1 is an exciting new product from Aurora Design LLC that opens up a new world of possibilities for early automotive radios. By replacing the electronics in an original radio with modern digital electronics, any radio can be brought up to today’s standards, performance and reliability.

Designed to meet automotive OEM and SAE performance specifications, the FMR-1 represents a no compromise design. All critical components are full automotive OEM grade parts, not lower cost, lower quality parts designed for aftermarket/consumer products. Every aspect of the design and operation of the FMR-1, no matter how insignificant was scrutinized, resulting in a product that performs beyond the expectations of even the most demanding user.

Through the use of sophisticated algorithms and a custom RealTimeOperatingSystem (RTOS), the FMR-1 offers unprecedented levels of features and performance. Working equally well with any original tuner (inductive, capacitive and resistive) the FMR-1 offers smooth and precise tuning rivaling the best analog tuners available. Installation time is significantly reduced since the FMR-1 easily adapts to just about any radio configuration from the 1930’s thru the 1980’s.

Imagine, complicated and time consuming modifications to the tuners used on the Hudson/Nash Ramblers and Metropolitans, 1930’s Philco-Ford or 1940’s Zenith-Ford radios is a thing of the past! Even the complicated Rotomatic tuner used on the 1940 Zenith-Ford radio that switches between a variable capacitor for manual tuning and variable inductors for preset tuning is handled without any modifications by the FMR-1!

The automotive grade receiver is extremely robust and offers such features as noise blankers which help eliminate ignition and generator/alternator noise and an automatic bandwidth filter that continuously adjusts from narrow to wide for optimum performance in all situations.

The digitally controlled power amplifier provides up to 4 X 45W of output power and is fully protected against over-voltages, shorts between lines as well as to ground or power. It is controlled by the onboard microprocessor and intelligently monitors the speaker connections and makes decisions such as enabling or disabling the balance and fader controls based on these readings. It uses a unique Class SB topology similar to standard Class AB while using only 1/3 the power at normal listening levels resulting in less heat being generated.

Five fully buffered line level outputs, four for front/rear channels and one for subwoofer, allow the FMR-1 to drive out-board amps for those who wish to add even more audio power.

Signal Seeking radios like the GM/Delco® Wonderbar®, Ford® Town & Country® and Chrysler® Electro-Touch® radios are fully supported including features like sensitivity controls (Town & Country). By combining the unsurpassed performance of the FMR-1‘s AM/FM receiver with its high performance microprocessor, it finds the stations every time.

Under the skin, the FMR-1 was designed to be as robust as the operating features it offers. Meeting industry performance specification like SAE J1113-42, the FMR-1 cannot be damaged by battery reversal, double battery jump starts, alternator disconnects (load dump), etc. Even if a careless mechanic accidentally connects the battery up backwards, the FMR-1 is completely protected.

Aurora Design automotive products are built in a 33,000 sq. ft., ISO 9001:2000 facility located in the USA. With a capacity to place 1,800,000 components per day, 2D and 3D X-Ray inspection and full traceability back to the component level, the highest quality assemblies are assured.